Big Dream, Little Boat

A three-year kayak journey around Ireland explores marine life, Irish history, and the kindness of strangers amidst personal challenges.

Battling time, tide and the weather, Big Dream, Little Boat is a compelling account of one man’s journey by kayak around the island of Ireland. Kevin O’Sullivan, an Aer Lingus pilot based in Skerries in north County Dublin, had set himself a mission – to circumnavigate the entire Irish coast – and to get home safely. The only problem was finding a way to do it.

With a demanding job and family commitments he decides to break the journey into manageable three- and four-day chunks, leaving his kayak at stages along the way and resuming the adventure when the opportunity arose. Traveling mainly in the summer months, his expedition takes three years.

Along the way he reflects on the fascinating marine life, colorful Irish history, lovely scenery, and in particular on the remarkable people he met on his journey. He also recounts the many challenges he faced, not least of which was his biggest difficulty – chronic seasickness!

Despite an attempt to paddle only in good weather, Kevin still encountered some very difficult conditions. Unexpected winds and great swells left him digging deep, using all his skills and experience of years of kayaking to survive.

In the great Irish tradition of taking care of travelers on the road, he was supported by oftentimes complete strangers who put him up in their homes, fed him and enthusiastically encouraged him along the way. On a journey of soul-searching and deep contemplation, the kindness of strangers helped to renew his faith in humanity.